Applications developer : Training

Since IT changes so quickly, it is important to keep up to date with recent developments in the industry. Applications developers must continually update their knowledge and skills by taking courses sponsored by their employer or through software vendors.

Some larger employers offer structured graduate programmes and you will gain experience in a number of team-related projects in different work areas. Most companies offer ongoing training, either in-house or via external courses, although if you are self-employed or employed by a smaller employer you may need to consider the cost and time implications of taking responsibility for your own training.

Increasingly, employers are looking for vendor certification as a way of demonstrating competence. Product vendors and software firms offer certification as a means of recognising that individuals have the relevant skills and knowledge to work with particular languages, applications and operating systems. Relevant training and certification routes for applications developers include:

• Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD);
• Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP);
• Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD);
• Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate/Professional.

Other professional qualifications are available through BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) .

BCS can also help by providing information and guidance to members on recognising and planning learning needs and developing areas of expertise.

The Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP)  also offers up-to-date information on training and relevant industry-recognised qualifications.

e-skills UK - The Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology  has developed the e-skills Professional Programme, which is modular and covers areas such technical, business, project management and communication skills. The aim of the programme is to provide new graduate IT professionals with high quality training during the early years of their careers, regardless of their background.

The SFIA Foundation (Skills Framework for the Information Age) was formed in order to allow a common reference point for the identification of the skills needed to develop the use of ICT. Employers and IT professionals can use this framework as a skills development tool and to identify career development opportunities.

Training in areas not directly related to your technical work, for example in business or finance, may boost your prospects when considering career development.